Tim Beissmann

The updated Ssangyong Korando has been revealed, sporting fresh exterior styling, a more premium interior and promising improved refinement and efficiency.

Uncovered two weeks earlier in a series of spy shots, the official images confirm a sharper front end for the new refreshed Korando featuring entirely new headlights, grille, lower air intake and fog light surrounds.

The changes are more subtle at the rear, where the tail-light clusters have been tweaked and badges relocated.

Like the front, the interior has been completely overhauled. A large central infotainment screen, new air conditioning switchgear, upgraded plastics, wood grain trim and red leather upholstery find there way into the cabin of the Korean-market model, giving a hint of what to expect from the Australian-spec Korando when it launches locally around the first quarter of 2014.

The updated Ssangyong Korando will continue to be offered with the choice of two 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with the manufacturer promising fuel consumption savings of up to 8.4 per cent from the front-wheel-drive model with the automatic transmission.

Ssangyong also says improvements to the Korando’s engine mounting system and the rigidity of the sub-frame have reduced vibration and noise levels by 10 per cent.

Australian specifications will be revealed closer to the local introduction of updated Korando. A spokesperson for Ssangyong Australia confirmed pricing is set to remain competitive and could be sharpened to enhance the new model’s appeal. The current Korando is priced from $23,990 driveaway.